clx 
LIFE OF WILSON, 
tanic Garden of his friend, Mr. Bartram. There removed from 
the noise, bustle, and interruption of the metropolis, he was 
enabled to dispose of his time to the best advantage; for when 
fatigued with close application within doors, to recruit his mind 
and body he had only to cross the threshold of his abode, and 
he at once found himself surrounded with those acquaintance, 
the observing of whose simple manners not only afforded the 
most agreeable recreation, but who were perpetually contri- 
buting to the great undertaking which he was earnestly labour- 
ing to complete. 
In the month of March, 1812, Wilson was chosen a member 
of the Society of Artists of the United States; but in the spring 
of the succeeding year, a greater honour was conferred upon 
him, by his being elected a member of the American Philoso- 
phical Society of Philadelphia. 
TO MR. WM. BARTRAM, 
Philadelphia, dipril 2\, 1813. 
“ My dear friend, 
“ I have been extremely busy these several months, my 
colourists having all left me; so I have been obliged to do ex- 
tra duty this last winter. Next week I shall publish my 
seventh volume; and shall send you your copy with the earliest 
opportunity. I am now engaged with the ducks, all of which, 
that I am acquainted with, will be comprehended in the eighth 
volume. 
“ Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have hardly left 
the house half an hour; and I long most ardently to breathe once 
more the fresh air of the country, and gaze on the lovely face 
of Nature. Will it be convenient for the family to accommo- 
date me (as I shall be alone) this summer? Please to let me 
know. 
“ I lately received from the celebrated Mr. West, a proof 
impression of his grand historical picture of the death of Admi- 
ral Nelson — a present which I highly value. 
“ The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia have done me 
